Which of the following is included in the basic steps of taxonomy?

Correct answer: All of these

Taxonomy is the science of recognizing, describing, naming, and classifying organisms. Its basic work begins with characterization, in which observable or significant features of an organism are recorded. Identification then determines which known group the organism resembles. Nomenclature gives the organism a standardized scientific name, while classification places it in an ordered taxonomic category such as genus, family, or kingdom. Since characterization, nomenclature, and classification are all included among the fundamental taxonomic steps, option D, “All of these,” is correct. Options A, B, and C each mention a genuine step, but none is complete when selected alone. A useful distinction is that taxonomy is broader than naming: naming is only one part of the systematic process of organizing biological diversity.